This may not be the only High Rise development being pushed in Unincorporated Southwest Adams County.

Residents in the area of64th & Lowell BEWARE!http://www.saccomanoestates.com/lowell.htm

Residents in the area of 53rd & Pecos BEWARE!http://www.saccomanoestates.com/pecos.htm

If you are interested in more information regarding Zoning Abuse in Adams County,

Please contact us at CCCD2012@gmail.com

Together, we can restore integrity in Adams County Government.

Does This Feel like a “VILLAGE” ?Apparently The TOD Group wishes us to believe so.Image depicts mass & size of proposed 95 ft high building.95 ft height limit does not include rooftop structures so overall heightcould be even TALLER!

Concerned Citizens for Compatible Development (CCCD) Requests full, independent audit of Adams County Economic Development (ACED)

ADAMS COUNTY- Concerned Citizens for Compatible Development (CCCD), a grassroots coalition of neighborhood groups, business owners, and property rights advocates, has concerns regarding the appropriate use of Adams County taxpayer dollars by Adams County Economic Development (ACED).

CCCD sent notice to Adams County Commissioners, as well as all Colorado State legislatures whose district includes Adams County, on Wednesday, April 4th, 2012, requesting their support of an independent audit of ACED, making all findings public.

CCCD recognizes the efforts of Adams County Commissioners in “Opening Adams” to the residents, voters, and taxpayers of Adams County; the Commissioners have taken great strides to improve the image of Adams County the last 2 years. CCCD members appreciate that greatly.

ACED receives a sizeable contribution from the taxpayers of Adams County

Adams County budgeted over $576,000 for ACED in 2011

The Adams County Government, on behalf of the Adams County Taxpayers, appears to have footed the bill for well over half of ACED’s entire budget the last several years (and probably more so in earlier years).

Adams County taxpayers have most likely been funding the largest portion of ACED’s assets since its inception.

ACED CEO’s appear to have been paid well in excess of $210,000 in 2010 & 2009, totaling approximately half or more of the sum amount given to ACED by Adams County Government (i.e., taxpayers).

In 2010, then ACED CEO William Becker, appears to have received compensation in excess of $220,000.

In 2009, then ACED CEO William Becker, appears to have received compensation in excess of $210,000 while Sandra Steiner, then V.P., appears to have received compensation in excess of $150,000, totaling well over $360,000 for just 2 individuals.

Records for 2011 are not yet available.

Records for years prior to 2009 have not yet been reviewed.

ACED shares resources with the Adams County Government

CCCD questions if the cost to house ACED in the County building is in addition to the sum amount of taxpayer money recorded as the “base” cost.

ACED appears to serve as powerful LOBBYING toolfor those who want their projects endorsed and/or approved by County Staff and/or elected Officials, especially when one considers that the Adams County Commissioners serve on the Board of ACED, and have been or are Executive Committee Members.

This appears to give investors and/or donors (ie those who want their projects approved) the ability to “purchase” the support of our County Staff and Officials.

For these reasons, and many others, CCCD is calling for a full and complete, independent audit of ACED, with all findings made open and available to the public.

In light of the Adams County Commissioners new push for transparency and “Open Government”, CCCD strongly encourages the Commissioners to support this effort to assist in restoring honesty, integrity, and to further “Open Adams”.

There seems to be a consistent theme among Counties, Municipalities, and high-density developers: Just keep “educating” the people on what they really need and want, as obviously the problem in pushing through unwanted projects resides not in the greed of the developer nor the inappropriateness of the project, but rather the ignorance of the people.

If people were more “educated”, they would understand the need for high rises in their backyards. Really?

Does the City truly believe they can “educate” these residents into welcoming this overbuilt, intrusive development into their community? A development that will destroy the intimate and quaint character for which Highland’s is known? I think not.

This is not about an education, but a way of life. The residents and community members chose the Highland area for certain qualities; they have vested interest in preserving not only what attracted them to the community, but also what attracts others.

It’s great to see people standing up for their rights, keep up the good work! It’s time the City and County officials receive a little “education” of their own.

Highland apartment project foes push back
Residents say 5-story units are too high; will meet with developer
Denver-based RedPeak Properties has three parcels under contract for an apartment complex around Highlands Square.
Residents are worried the project, which they say will consist of three five-story buildings, will alter the character of the neighborhood.More than 200 residents attended a contentious meeting on the project last week. Representatives from the developer declined to specify the number of stories the project would include.
On Dec. 6, Councilwoman Susan Shepherd and officials from the City Attorney’s Office and Community Planning and Development plan to hold a “zoning-learning session” at a West Highland Neighborhood Association meeting at 7 p.m. at Highland Event Center, 2945 Julian St.
But Laura Goode, organizer of No High Rises in West Highland, said the group also wants a one-on-one meeting with the city regarding the zoning, which allows for five-story development. She said the group has obtained about 1,300 signatures on a petition opposing the project.
“We don’t need an education, we need a remedy,” she said earlier this week.
On Dec. 7, a group consisting of representatives from the city, the developer, the neighborhood association and No High Rises in West Highland is expected to discuss the design of the proposed project.
Goode said she’d like to see no more than two stories. “It’s a good development in the wrong place,” she said.
Mike Zoellner, president of RedPeak Properties, said in an interview the company doesn’t plan to adjust the zoning, up or down. He said high rises are typically considered to be at least seven stories.Read More Here…

It started with just one citizen. One citizen who refused to ignore the situation. From that one person, a citizens group came together that successfully prevented RTD from destroying a neighborhood park and wetland area.

Englewood City Council unanimously rejected the Regional Transportation District’s proposal to expand light rail parking by paving over land across from Cushing Park that is an area of trees, bushes and the Little Dry Creek channel.

The council made that decision Aug. 15 as all seven members supported rescinding Resolution 86 passed earlier this year approving RTD’s parking expansion proposal and, at the same time, confirming the council’s intent to work with RTD to find alternative ways to expand the parking.

Working to protect the rights of the citizens and preserve our ecosystems from over aggressive developers, Concerned Citizens for Compatible Development (CCCD) is a grassroots coalition comprised of residents, community members, property, and business owners in Unincorporated Southwest Adams County who support responsible development that is both compatible and sustainable. We will strive to support development that will benefit the broader community while at the same time preserve the unique characteristics of our surrounding neighborhoods, our wildlife, streams, lakes, biking paths, and other valued characteristics of Unincorporated Southwest Adams County.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Any language appearing on this Web site, and all viewpoints expressed therein, shall not be construed as representing any official position of CCCD, but rather shall be viewed as the expressions presented by individual authors, bloggers, or other interested individuals. CCCD makes no representations or warranties of any kind with regard to this Web site or any of its contents. In addition, any legal language appearing on this site is not intended as legal advice and shall not be used as such or any other way that could could assist the user in legal strategy, including litigation.